Democracy at the crossroads: mapping rights and liberties in Italy

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Today, on 10 December, also known as International Human Rights Day, the Italian Coalition for Civil Liberties and Rights (CILD) has published the report “Democracy at the Crossroads: Mapping Rights and Liberties in Italy.”

Two years into Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government’s term, this report highlights concerning trends that are affecting fundamental rights and freedoms in Italy, marked by significant political and legislative change.

The report retraces the progressive erosion of rights and liberties in Italy, analysing key government initiatives and their impact on democratic values enshrined in the Italian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. From freedom of assembly to press independence, from migrant rights to judicial autonomy, the findings reveal alarming trends that require immediate attention from both national and international stakeholders.

As Italy stands at a critical crossroads, this report aims to inform political debate and advocate for measures that strengthen, rather than weaken, democratic safeguards.

Threatened freedom of the press and media: Journalists under attack

The report highlights an increasingly critical situation for press freedom and media pluralism in Italy. The rise in SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) – legal actions strategically designed to silence journalists and activists – represents a serious threat to the right of citizens to information. Data shows that Italy leads Europe in the number of SLAPP cases, primarily filed by political figures against government critics. Additionally, physical and online intimidation against journalists is on the rise, coupled with media ownership being increasingly concentrated into fewer hands, which limits pluralism and editorial independence. Media independence is further undermined by political interference in public broadcasting.

Criminalisation of Vulnerable Groups

Over the past two years, the Meloni government has pursued a policy of criminalising dissent and vulnerable groups through ad hoc law decrees. Recent measures, such as the Piantedosi Decree, have imposed strict limitations on sea rescue operations, severely impacting NGOs. The Italy-Albania protocol has established detention and reception centres outside national borders, raising serious concerns about human rights and access to international protection.

Punitive measures like the Caivano Decree undermine principles of rehabilitation and fairness, while other legislative actions have increased penalties against protesters and activists, particularly in the environmental sector. These provisions criminalise non-violent actions, such as traffic blockades or protests in public spaces, compromising the right to freedom of expression and assembly. The report also documents instances of violent repression by law enforcement, highlighting excessive force and systematic intimidation.

The “Security Package Bill” (Bill No. 1660), currently under parliamentary debate, raises significant concerns for introducing new crimes and harsher penalties, particularly those related to protest rights.

Attacks on Women’s and LGBTQIA+ Rights

The report reveals government policies that reinforce a traditional family model, marginalising non-traditional families and hindering the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The dominant political rhetoric delegitimizes efforts for gender equality and same-sex couples’ rights. Access to abortion remains fraught with obstacles, exacerbated by a high rate of conscientious objection among medical professionals.

Poverty and Social Inequality

The report documents a worsening of social inequalities and poverty in Italy during 2024, attributed in part to the government’s economic policies and cuts to welfare. Data highlights a significant increase in absolute poverty, disproportionately affecting large families, minors, and the elderly. Structural measures to address rising living costs have been insufficient, while essential public services continue to erode, exacerbating hardships for the most vulnerable groups.

Erosion of Judicial Independence

The report raises alarms over political pressure on judges and measures that threaten the autonomy of the judiciary. Proposed reforms to the Superior Council of the Judiciary, alongside the overuse of legislative decrees, undermine the balance of power. The European Commission has expressed concerns that these developments could severely damage the credibility and independence of Italy’s judicial system, with potentially harmful consequences for the rule of law.

Premierato Reform

The report analyzes the government’s proposal to introduce a premier system, which would significantly alter Italy’s institutional framework. While proponents argue this reform would strengthen government stability and decision-making capacity, the report highlights the risks to the balance of power and democratic representation.

Constitutional reforms of this magnitude require broad political and social consensus. However, the government’s push for rapid approval has drawn criticism from the opposition and civil society, who fear a weakening of representative democracy.

CILD’s Appeal

“Two years into the Meloni government, Italy is at a critical crossroads,” stated Laura Liberto, President of CILD. “This report was created out of an urgent need to document and expose the alarming erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms in our country. It is imperative to reverse this trajectory before the damage becomes irreversible. Our findings reveal a troubling path that undermines the democratic principles enshrined in the Italian Constitution and international human rights treaties. We call on policymakers, civil society, and international organizations to confront these challenges and work to safeguard fundamental liberties.”

This report provides a crucial resource for understanding the current political and social climate in Italy and advocates for policies that uphold democratic values.

The full report “Democracy at the Crossroads: Mapping Rights and Liberties in Italy” is available here.

Media Contact: info@cild.eu